Factors Associated with Lifestyle Modification among Chinese Adults with Hypertension: A Cross-sectional Study

Lifestyle modification is essential for hypertension management; yet adherence remains suboptimal among working-age adults in China. Evidence regarding psychosocial and cognitive factors associated with lifestyle modification in this population is limited. This study aimed to describe the level of lifestyle modification and to examine the association of life stress, hypertension knowledge, self-efficacy, and family relationships among adults with hypertension.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 adults with hypertension recruited from the cardiovascular outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in China. Data were collected using validated self-report instruments. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.

The mean lifestyle modification score was 44.04 (SD = 8.91) out of a possible 80. In the multivariable regression model (adjusted R² = 0.431), higher perceived life stress was negatively associated with lifestyle modification (β = -0.237, p = 0.005), whereas hypertension knowledge (β = 0.157, p = 0.036) and self-efficacy (β = 0.457, p < 0.001) were positively associated. Family relationships were not significantly associated with lifestyle modification after adjustment.

The findings suggest that lifestyle modification among adults with hypertension is associated with both psychosocial and cognitive factors. Stress, knowledge, and self-efficacy appear to be particularly relevant factors for understanding variations in lifestyle modification, whereas family relationships may operate through indirect pathways.

Lifestyle modification among adults with hypertension remains suboptimal and is associated with perceived stress, hypertension-related knowledge, and self-efficacy. These findings highlight potential priorities for nursing assessment and patient support; however, causal inferences cannot be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. Future longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to further clarify these relationships and inform the development of effective nursing interventions.